Need 2nd Video card for 2009 MacPro - Suggestions?

[handheldgames]

I need a 2nd video card for my new system to run along side a 4870.

I tried putting my old 7300GT in slot #4 and I'm not getting any video from it. (?) Must be a compatability issue.... (?)
Wont boot in SL or L

Does slot 3 make a difference?

Any way.. Would like to find something silent. I don't mind using a PC card in the mac...

Any suggestions?

• GT120
• 2600xt??

Thx!

 

[Whiteyez]

Your video card must be in slot 1 or 2. GT120 is good, and silent.

 

[netkas]

7300gt has 32-bit efi rom, and your macpro has 64-bit efi

 

[Cynicalone]

I would add a GT 120, cheap and designed to work with OS X.

 

[matthewtoney]

The GT120 would work with your 4870 (that's the setup I have), but if you use VMware Fusion and need DirectX you'll have trouble. (apparently you need to stick to two of the same vendor for that to work with Fusion)

The 2600XT would work as well, but I personally at least am finding those pretty tough to find now. (although I have a shiny new GT120 that I sure wish I could swap for one)

 

[handheldgames]

7300gt has 32-bit efi rom, and your macpro has 64-bit efi

That explains the non functioning 7300. I knew you couldn't use a 64 bit efi card on a 32 bit system, but was unaware that a 32 bit efi card was non functional on a 64 bit system. Thx netkas.

It sounds like the gt120 and the ati 2600xt are the only options available. I've mixed ATI and NVIDIA before. Althought I have access to a 2600xt at my office, Open cl pushes me towards the Gt120.

Good choice?

 

[matthewtoney]

Well the GT120 will definitely support OpenCL, but then so does your 4870. I think there are others on here who might be able to shed some light on how the two compare in OpenCL - I don't think right now anybody knows if OpenCL enalbed apps will be able to use OpenCL on more than one card or not.

 

[handheldgames]

Went to the local apple store to grab a GT120.. But it's not a stocked item. Turns out neither is the 4870.... Huh? Guess they need the room for base line consumerables. Lol.

So Ill end up grabbing the 2600xt for the interim.

Ratts.

 

[Ace134blue]

Get a gtx 285 and make the 4870 your 2nd vid card